Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

The sample is then sent to a lab, and placed in a special dish (culture media) that allows bacteria or viruses to grow. The sample is placed under a microscope and checked at regular time periods to see if there are any organisms present and if they are growing.

Any organisms that grow on the culture are identified.

How to Prepare for the Test

This article discusses the culture test. For information on how to prepare for an upper endoscopy and biopsy procedure, see esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a test to examine the lining of the esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach), stomach, and ...

Why the Test is Performed

A culture of duodenal tissue is done to check for bacteria that may lead to certain illnesses and conditions.

Normal Results

No harmful bacteria are found.

What Abnormal Results Mean

An abnormal finding means that harmful bacteria has been found in the tissue sample. This may include organisms that cause inflammation of the stomach and intestines, such as:

Campylobacter

Helicobacter pylori

Salmonella

Considerations

Usually other tests are done to identify infection-causing organisms in duodenal tissue. These tests include the urease test (for example the Clotest) and histology (looking at the tissue under the microscope).

Duodenal tissue culture - illustration

A duodenal tissue biopsy is performed by inserting a special tube through the nose or mouth down into the duodenum. When the tube is in place, it suctions out some of the fluid located in the duodenum. When the procedure is over the tube is removed. The sample is sent to the laboratory for testing. The test is performed to see if a bacterial infection is present or if there are any other microoganisms present that could be causing infection.

Duodenal tissue culture

illustration

Duodenal tissue culture - illustration

A duodenal tissue biopsy is performed by inserting a special tube through the nose or mouth down into the duodenum. When the tube is in place, it suctions out some of the fluid located in the duodenum. When the procedure is over the tube is removed. The sample is sent to the laboratory for testing. The test is performed to see if a bacterial infection is present or if there are any other microoganisms present that could be causing infection.